Starting this Friday, a new youth curfew will be enforced at National Harbor in Maryland, aimed at improving community safety and addressing concerns raised by local businesses and residents. The curfew will restrict unaccompanied minors from being in the area during late-night hours on weekends.
Key Takeaways
- The curfew is set from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
- Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to be present at National Harbor during curfew hours.
- Previous curfews were implemented due to incidents involving large groups of unaccompanied youths.
- Fines for breaking the curfew start at $50 and can escalate for repeat offenders.
Background of the Curfew
The decision to reinstate the youth curfew comes after an increase in incidents involving unaccompanied juveniles at National Harbor. Local police reported that businesses and residents expressed concerns over safety, prompting the need for restrictions. The curfew aims to mitigate issues such as fighting, shoplifting, and other disturbances that have been reported in the past.
Curfew Details
The curfew will be in effect every weekend, specifically:
- Days: Fridays and Saturdays
- Hours: 5 p.m. to 5 a.m.
During these hours, anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Exceptions to the curfew include:
- Minors returning home from school-related activities, religious events, or work.
- Youth accompanied by an adult over the age of 21 with parental permission.
- Residents can remain on the sidewalk in front of their own homes unless a complaint is made.
Enforcement and Penalties
To ensure compliance, the police will issue warnings to first-time offenders. Subsequent violations will result in:
- A written notice sent to parents.
- Fines starting at $50 for the first offense, escalating to $100 for the second.
- Repeat offenders may incur civil fines of up to $250 for their parents.
If a parent or guardian fails to pick up their child within an hour of being detained, they may also face additional fines related to the costs incurred by authorities.
Community Reactions
The community’s response to the curfew has been mixed. Some local business owners and residents support the measure, believing it will enhance safety and reduce crime. Others, however, express concerns about the implications for youth freedom and the potential for over-policing.
Conclusion
The implementation of the youth curfew at National Harbor reflects ongoing efforts by local authorities to address safety concerns in the community. As the curfew takes effect, it will be crucial to monitor its impact on both crime rates and community relations, ensuring that the balance between safety and youth freedom is maintained.
Sources
- Youth curfew at National Harbor starts Friday, police say – WTOP News, WTOP.
- Youth curfew begins at National Harbor – NBC4 Washington, NBC4 Washington.
